Sports in Tunbridge Wells

As well as being one of the most iconic and historic towns in the UK, Royal Tunbridge Wells welcomes thousands of sporting enthusiasts, fans and followers every year due to an excellent sporting pedigree with well established football, rugby, cricket, golf and tennis clubs, some well over 100 years old.

Noted for its heritage and landmarks, the town has also played its part in sporting history, currently holding the official record as winners of the longest penalty-shootout in a professional European football game.

In 2012, Royal Tunbridge Wells was the first stop in Kent for the Olympic Torch relay.

The town is also proudly affiliated to many sporting icons (Will Bayley being the latest!) and is the location of other memorable sporting moments over the last century – a cricket game in 1983 springs to mind!

Cricket in Royal Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club was established in 1882 and is one of the most well-respected cricket clubs in the region and the UK as a whole.

The Neville Ground is known to be one of the most iconic and picturesque cricket venues in the UK and privy to some memorable cricket matches over the last century. The most recognisable being the legendary match between Zimbabwe and India in the 1983 Cricket World Cup where Kapil Dev made a score of 175 not out.

The club and ground has hosted the annual 'Kent County Cricket Club Cricket Week' aka The Cricket Festival in May since 1902. Get your tickets early as they soon sell out.

Matches, Tournaments and Sportives in Tunbridge Wells

More recently, the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells hosts the annual 3on3 Basketball Tournament which receives global visitors from places such as the Philippines, Russia and the United States. It is held in Calverley Grounds at the end of August.

Triathlons, marathons and cycling around Tunbridge Wells attract participants from all over too.

There are triathlons at Bewl Water, Hever Castle and Penshurst Place; half-marathons are held in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Paddock Wood and Hever Castle.

In such glorious backdrops, you and your supporters will have no trouble enjoying your time spent here. With superb accommodation choices you will be well looked after.

Parkrun Tunbridge Wells gets more popular by the week!  Anyone can join in at the beautiful Dunorlan Park on the outskirts of the town of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

A few of the more recognised cycling events are the:

• Grand Circuit of Kent (130km) which edges into the borough at Frittenden, Sissinghurst and Brenchley;
• Wally Gimber Trophy which starts out in Bells Yew Green, only a hop, skip and a jump from Royal Tunbridge Wells;
• Great Cycle Ride 2017, a 3 day jaunt through the county of Kent.  The first day’s lunch stop is in the best place to replenish – Royal Tunbridge Wells!
• Hole Park Sportive has a choice of 2 routes – 40k or 100k – through the gorgeous Wealden downs held on the first weekend of April.

A welcome return of the Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tournament (SUP for short) at Bewl Water has arrived. Join in for the first time, as an expert or simply watch, it’s up to you but it is sure to be fantastic fun in July.

Regardless of whether it's watching a Tunbridge Wells FC football match, playing a spot of tennis or trying one’s hand on one of our amazing golf courses, sports enthusiasts everywhere can rest assured knowing they will have a fulfilling and entertaining time of it in the borough.

Sports Centres in Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells is home to three sports centres which are welcoming to all visitors. 

Maintain your healthy regime whilst staying with us at one of the Fusion Sports Centres and meet some of the locals too.

The Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre is based in Southborough, just north of Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre. The Weald Sports Centre is based in Cranbrook on the A229 and The Putlands Sports Centre is in Paddock Wood just outside the town centre.

You can play racket sports, table tennis, basketball, football and swim indoors.

The swimming facilities are described in our Swimming section of this website.

Do check the websites of the sports centres as their timetables and facilities differ.

Explore The Town 

If you are planning to come to Tunbridge Wells as part of a sporting event, you should definitely check out the town and its many attractions and events.

Rather than going straight home, why not enjoy a nice meal afterwards at one of the many excellent restaurants, pubs and cafes in the local area.

If you are looking to fill a bit of time before you head off home, you can always do a bit of shopping at The Pantiles or take in the beautifully landscaped gardens all over the borough.

If you do decide to you stay a little while, you will also be impressed with the many different things to do and places to visit.

If you are planning to stay overnight, you can always check-out our range of accommodation providers in the area by visiting our hotels, B&B’s, self catering and camping and caravanning pages.

External links

Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre

Paddock Wood Sports Centre

Cranbrook Sports Centre